How they qualified: As expected, Vicente del Bosque's fearsome-looking side rebounded from their disappointment of the 2014 World Cup by coasting their way to the top of Group C in qualifying. Spain finished five points clear of second-placed Slovakia, having won ten and lost just one of their qualification games.

Expectations: Spain may have flopped in Brazil, but nothing less than winning the European Championship would be considered a success on this occasion. For some of Del Bosque's ageing stars, such as Iniesta and Casillas, this could be their last opportunity to impress in Spanish colours.

Vicente del Bosque has been the Spanish manager since 2008Getty Images

Manager: Although he is widely regarded as one of European football's top coaches, there is some consternation surrounding the squad Del Bosque has selected for the tournament. The 65-year-old has chosen to omit the likes of Diego Costa and Saul Niguez, while it remains to be seen whether he will favour the World Cup-winning Casillas or the in-form De Gea in goal.

IBTimes UK prediction: Runners-up – Spain are not the force they once were, and some of their players' careers have clearly peaked, but they still boast as much individual quality as any other side at Euro 2016. They should be able to navigate their way to the final game of the tournament, where they will fall a fraction short of their ultimate ambition.